Blood Compatibility of Medical Device Materials as Measured by Lymphocyte Function

Abstract

Bovine lymphocyte compatibility of a variety of device materials was assessed by quantification of effect on PHA-M (phytohemagglutinin) mediated lymphocyte activation in a whole blood assay®. Samples of polypropylene, polyethylene, stainless steel, Teflon, polycarbonate, silicone rubber, and some polyurethane proved lymphocompatible. Polyvinyl chloride plastics and rubber yielded the largest proportion of lymphosuppressive samples.

The lymphocyte inactivation manifested characteristics suggestive of specific receptor alteration, demonstrated typical dose response kinetics, and proved a more sensitive indicator of specific aspects of blood compatibility than hemolysis. Most lymphosuppressive materials failed to induce hemolysis under the defined test parameters.